MP's anger at highway invite snub

IT'S one of the Coffs Coast's most controversial roads, a horror stretch of the highway that has claimed dozens of lives, taken years of political lobbying to address, and has cost more than $240 million to fix.

But Sunday's opening of the Pacific Highway upgrade at Bonville has produced a political bunfight after both the State member for Coffs Harbour and the Federal Member for Cowper were left off the invitation list for the official opening ceremony.

Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the lack of invitation is symptomatic of 'arrogance and ignorance'.

“Protocol has gone out the window,” Mr Fraser said.

“It's insulting that the Government had time to emboss the name of the new Minister for Roads on a plaque but not to contact the State and Federal members and advise them of the official opening.”

Minister for Roads Michael Daley opened the upgrade in his first official event as the new minister, and Mr Fraser has questioned the motive behind his office not being informed of the minister's visit.

“RTA officials claim I was on the list but it seems as if Mr Hartsuyker and I were the only two people who weren't advised,” he said.

“I've been requesting a tour of the works at Bonville since last November and I'm still waiting for a reply.

“[The State Government] can play all the games they want, but the simple fact is I'm the local member and I should have been advised.”